Verizon launches a startup for low-cost, all-in phone service

Earlier this year Verizon quietly launched a new startup, called Visible. Visible is a virtual network operator: it offers service plans to customers, but uses Verizon's physical network infrastructure to provide the wireless service. This is similar to the way operators such as Straight Talk, Boost Mobile, MetroPCS, and Cricket Wireless work.

The carrier offers $40-per-month unlimited service, with data throttled at 5 Mbps and video at 480p, that users access through an iOS app and a SIM card from the company.

Visible is not open to all, rather it's an invite-only service. To subscribe to Visible's early access program, a user needs an invite from a current user of the service. Once you get an invite, you can download its app from the App Store. They will then be mailed a SIM card which provides access to Verizon's 4G LTE network. Subscribers are only committed on a rolling monthly basis and can switch to another network at any time.

For now, it's available only for iOS users, and works with unlocked iPhone models only.